POP-CORN

Which type of kernel popcorn white or yellow pops the best?

Student Researcher

Brooke

School Address

Nespelem School

P O Box 291

Nespelem, WA 99155

Grade

8th Grade

Teacher

Sheri Edwards

Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis

My topic Popcorn is to see which kernels are better to eat. My research question was which are fluffier white or yellow kernels? My hypothesis was the yellow kernels are going to be fluffier.

Methodology

You will need:

1/2 cup of yellow kernels

1/2 cup of white kernels

1/4 cup of vegetable oil

1 deep heavy saucepan with a handle and lid

2 big bowls

A burner

1. First place the pot on the oven. Then pour half of the oil in to pot. Turn on to high heat.

2. Let ˆt sit for about 2 min.

3. Lower heat to medium

4. Put 2 or 3 kernels in to the pot then put a lid on top and listen for them to pop.

5. Then add the yellow kernels to the pot then put the lid on.

6. When they start popping shake the pot around and put it back on the burner.

7. When the kernels stop popping pour the popcorn in a bowl

8. The repeat the directions 1-7 over again with the white kernels.

When all done with cooking take 20 out o each bowl an measure by cm and write it down on a chart. Then make a graph.

Independent variable:

The white and yellow kernels

Dependent variable:

the fluffiness

Control variable:

The differences between the two.

Consent variable:

the pot, the oil, the measurements (1/2-cup and 1/4-cup), the burner, the brand kernels, the lid, and the bowls.

Analysis of data

The white kernels in the first trial out of 20 the average size was 2.13cm and in the second trial the average size was smaller 2.07cm. The yellow popcorn was fluffiest with an average size of 2.19 cm in the first and 2.33cm in the second. The average size all together was white 2.10cm and yellow 2.26cm.

Summary and Conclusion

I accept my hypothesis. On the average, yellow kernels are 0.16 centimeters more fluffy the white kernels. A hard shell surrounds the moist and pulpy heart of the corn kernel. When the kernel gets hot the moist turns to steam and the heart begins to grow then burst the hard shell.

So in the yellow kernels there is more moisture then in the white kernel and that is making the yellow fluffier.

Application

I would recommend using the yellow kernels to eat and to make treats with because it taste better and is fluffier.